Landing Signals Officers (LSOs) are gods among men. They defy the laws of physics and decorum alike, to ensure Navy carrier pilots land safely. Their tools include a keenly calibrated eye, a smooth radio voice, and an exaggerated swagger – all essential for bringing pilots home safely every time. Three feet high and a pilot won’t land. Fourteen feet low and things get really bad. Call their parents to confess bad. All at 140 mph, on calm sunny days and stormy nights where the ship is see-sawing 40 feet in the air. It was a hell of a job
Wow I had goosebumps during this whole piece. I agree with everyone who told you to share this story. Taking your last experiences and looking at them through your current lens is super powerful.
The videos were an incredible addition here as well.
Loved the story - keep them coming. You are the sum of all your stories and anything that made you who you are is worth sharing with those who care about you, especially if there is a lesson to be learned.
Oh boy! This —> “If you hear my voice, I need you to ignore what you see outside and just trust that I’m going to get you home. Don’t you even start dreaming about beer at the bar without me. You understand?” THANKS for sharing Latham… got my adrenaline going this morning.
This is so badass and beautiful at the same time. My hands were sweating reading this, lol. Such a captivating window into your life, and I would absolutely encourage you to let these pieces of you and these memories of your “past life” fly free. They’re stunning.
I was obsessed with Top Gun when I was a kid and always wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a fighter jet and take off and land on an aircraft carrier. But after reading this riveting story, maybe I don't want to do the landing part so much after all lol
Gods Among Men
Wow I had goosebumps during this whole piece. I agree with everyone who told you to share this story. Taking your last experiences and looking at them through your current lens is super powerful.
The videos were an incredible addition here as well.
Also, thanks for the shoutout. That means a lot.
Loved the story - keep them coming. You are the sum of all your stories and anything that made you who you are is worth sharing with those who care about you, especially if there is a lesson to be learned.
Oh man, I need a beer just from reading this. Gripping, entertaining, and fascinating. More please!!
Such a kickass story, told beautifully. So glad you shared it.
Was at the edge of my seat reading this. Incredible. I bet those 15 seconds felt like an eternity.
Edge of the seat stuff, Latham. Where have all these stories been???
Your story transcends that boundary between civilian and military and allows all to feel the squeeze of responsibility that is life & death.
no need to hide those 'old' stories away mate!
Ah CAG! Y’all done good. Was it MOVLAS? Velocity vector not used there? How about those big wing pilots getting aboard ? Maybe just the E-2 then?
Oh boy! This —> “If you hear my voice, I need you to ignore what you see outside and just trust that I’m going to get you home. Don’t you even start dreaming about beer at the bar without me. You understand?” THANKS for sharing Latham… got my adrenaline going this morning.
This is so badass and beautiful at the same time. My hands were sweating reading this, lol. Such a captivating window into your life, and I would absolutely encourage you to let these pieces of you and these memories of your “past life” fly free. They’re stunning.
Loved this, Latham. Great job...so many memorable words to take away...your respect for the sea is palpable, the tension...the fear....love it!
I was obsessed with Top Gun when I was a kid and always wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a fighter jet and take off and land on an aircraft carrier. But after reading this riveting story, maybe I don't want to do the landing part so much after all lol
What a wild job and collab between pilot and LSO. Well told story!
Excellent story telling...very cinematic. Got more?? Then share!
My heart’s still pounding!! Full respect. And definitely more of these old stories, please!